Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly attempting to negotiate with federations to delay the release of key players Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
According to a report from The Standard, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is working to mitigate the impact of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by keeping his international players at the club until two weeks before the tournament starts.
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) are all expected to be called up for AFCON, which is set to commence on December 21 in Morocco and run until January 18.
FIFA regulations stipulate that players must be released no later than the Monday morning on the week preceding the competition’s start.
This deadline would mean the trio could miss United’s trip to Wolves in the Premier League on December 8.
Amorim, who is approaching his one-year anniversary in charge, expressed his hope for a compromise, but maintained respect for the federations.
“We have rules when we have to release players, we will see,” Amorim said. “We are doing our job trying to maintain the players a little longer, but it is not in our hands. We will try to do everything to protect the club, protect the players and protect the national team.”
The United boss acknowledged the challenge, particularly in attack, due to the trio’s expected month-long absence, as the club “don’t have a long squad.” However, he also suggested the departures create an opportunity for academy players.
“It is a concern but we already knew,” Amorim added. “There is an opportunity for other players. We have also the Under-21s. We need to send a message in that time so we will see.”
Amorim is looking for his team, currently sitting one point outside the Champions League places, to become more dominant as they host Everton on Monday night.